The University of Iowa

PPE Glove Information

Purpose

Gloves must be worn when there is the potential for injury or exposure to skin contact from chemicals, infectious agents, heat, cold, abrasive, and cutting objects.

Glove Use

Not all gloves are equally effective in preventing skin contact, especially from chemical exposures.  Chemicals eventually permeate gloves; however, they can be used safely for specific time periods when the conditions of use and glove characteristics, i.e., thickness, permeation, rate and time, are known. EHS is also available for assistance with your glove selection.

Glove Design Standards

Appropriate gloves are best selected by referring to glove specifications in laboratory or safety supply catalogs. Chemical resistance information should be verified with each manufacturer since similar materials (e.g., nitrile) available from different manufacturers may vary widely in their performance depending upon the particular manufacturing method and glove design.

General information for gloves available from General Stores is provided in their catalog.
The glove manufacturer or EHS may also be contacted.

Glove Wear Factors

Gloves must be cleaned after use and replaced periodically depending upon chemical permeability to the material handled. When gloves become torn or worn through by physical contact they should be replaced.

Glove Limitations

Glove limitations are based upon the physical or chemical characteristics of the materials being handled, and the type and duration of work being performed.